Getty Image / Matt Marton-Imagn Images / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
A collage shows injured NFL quarterbacks Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears, Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders, and Jaxson Dart of the New York Giants.
The start of the 2026 NFL season has been one to forget if you’re a starting quarterback. No less than five starting signal callers have already suffered significant injuries that will likely see them miss multiple weeks.
Does this represent a new, growing issue for the NFL, or is it just par for the course?
Either way, fans believe the early-season injuries could well be tied to the fact that many teams do not play their starters during the preseason anymore.
Here’s what the numbers reveal, however.
NFL Starting Quarterbacks Are Dropping Like Flies
It took just one game for the NFL to run into problems when it comes to the health of starting quarterbacks. Reigning Super Bowl champion Sam Darnold lasted just five snaps before injuring his glute against the New England Patriots in the opening game of the season.
Four days later, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray suffered a concussion against the Green Bay Packers, and things only got worse in week two.
For the second straight season, Washington Commanders starter Jayden Daniels dislocated his left elbow. Meanwhile, Chicago Bears QB and Madden 27 cover star Caleb Williams suffered a strained hamstring against the Vikings.
Lastly, New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart seemingly sprained his MCL on an awkward hit against the Los Angeles Rams.
Five injured quarterbacks in two weeks seemed like a large amount to fans.
Nfl has a major problem on their hands. Injuries are out of hand. Been getting worse by the year. But the amount of backup QBs already playing in mid September is how the consumer changes the channel
— John Middlekauff (@JohnMiddlekauff) September 22, 2026
But in reality, it’s no different than normal. Bill Barnwell of ESPN pointed out that 38 quarterbacks threw at least five passes over the first two weeks of the season. The number was the same in 2021. In 2011, that number was 37, while it was 39 in 2001, despite having one fewer team.
NFL will have 38 QBs throw at least five passes through the first two weeks of the season if Stafford stays healthy. Through two weeks in years past…
2021: 38
2016: 36
2011: 37
2006: 37
2001 (31 teams): 39
1996 (30 teams): 39
1991 (28 teams): 33
1986: 36
1981: 35 https://t.co/fK1gPnASh1— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) September 22, 2026
Unfortunately, football is just a violent game, and injuries are part of the process. But it’s certainly far less fun to watch when the league’s top quarterbacks aren’t out there on the field.